U.S. patent application number 13/689420 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-17 for soldering assembly for detachable tip.
This patent application is currently assigned to HAKKO CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is HAKKO CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Mitsuhiko Miyazaki, Toshikazu Mochizuki, Aiko Wakamatsu.
Application Number | 20130270324 13/689420 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48139684 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130270324 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miyazaki; Mitsuhiko ; et
al. |
October 17, 2013 |
Soldering Assembly for Detachable Tip
Abstract
A soldering assembly comprises a heater, a lock member, and a
bias member. The lock member is moveable relative to the heater,
includes a ramp feature, and is configured to receive a tip or a
tip holder. The bias member is configured to urge movement of the
lock member away from a distal segment of the heater.
Inventors: |
Miyazaki; Mitsuhiko; (Osaka,
JP) ; Mochizuki; Toshikazu; (Osaka, JP) ;
Wakamatsu; Aiko; (Osaka, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HAKKO CORPORATION |
Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
HAKKO CORPORATION
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
48139684 |
Appl. No.: |
13/689420 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61625500 |
Apr 17, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
228/55 ;
228/51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23K 3/026 20130101;
B23K 3/0369 20130101; B23K 3/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
228/55 ;
228/51 |
International
Class: |
B23K 3/02 20060101
B23K003/02 |
Claims
1. A soldering assembly comprising: a heater; a lock member
moveable relative to the heater, the lock member configured to
receive a tip or a tip holder; and a bias member configured to urge
movement of the lock member away from a distal segment of the
heater.
2. The soldering assembly of claim 1, wherein the lock member
includes a ramp feature.
3. The soldering assembly of claim 2, wherein the lock member
includes a plurality of ramp features configured to receive the tip
or the tip holder.
4. The soldering assembly of claim 2, wherein the lock member
includes a cylindrical wall, and the ramp feature includes a ramp
surface facing in a proximal direction away from the distal segment
of the heater.
5. The soldering assembly of claim 4, wherein the ramp feature is
in the form of a slot or a depression formed into the cylindrical
wall of the lock member, and the ramp surface is on an edge of the
slot or the depression.
6. The soldering assembly of claim 2, further comprising a
soldering tip holder including a distal portion and a proximal
portion, the proximal portion configured to engage onto and
disengage from the ramp feature of the lock member.
7. The soldering assembly of claim 6, wherein when the proximal
portion of the soldering tip holder is engaged onto the ramp
feature of the lock member, twisting of the soldering tip holder
causes the lock member to work against the bias member and to move
towards the distal segment of the heater.
8. The soldering assembly of claim 7, wherein the proximal portion
of the soldering tip holder includes a pin, and during the twisting
of the soldering tip holder, the pin slides on the ramp
feature.
9. The soldering assembly of claim 2, further comprising a
soldering tip including a distal part and a proximal part, the
proximal part configured to engage onto and disengage from the ramp
feature of the lock member.
10. The soldering assembly of claim 9, wherein when the proximal
part of the soldering tip is engaged onto the ramp feature of the
lock member, twisting of the soldering tip causes a part of the
lock member to push against the bias member and to move towards the
distal segment of the heater.
11. The soldering assembly of claim 10, wherein the proximal part
of the soldering tip includes a rib, and during the twisting of the
soldering tip, the rib slides on the ramp feature.
12. The soldering assembly of claim 2, further comprising an
opposing lock member including an opposing ramp feature in sliding
contact with the ramp feature of the lock member, wherein the
sliding contact is maintained by the bias member.
13. The soldering assembly of claim 12, wherein the lock member
includes a distal end segment configured to engage and disengage a
soldering iron tip.
14. The soldering assembly of claim 13, wherein the lock member is
capable of being rotated relative to the opposing lock member, the
distal end segment includes a hook feature coupled to the ramp
feature of the lock member, wherein when the lock member is rotated
relative to the opposing lock member, the sliding contact between
the ramp feature and the opposing ramp feature causes movement of
the hook feature relative to the heater from a tip releasing
position to a tip securing position.
15. The soldering assembly of claim 14, wherein either one or both
of the ramp feature and the opposing ramp feature includes a detent
for temporarily holding the hook feature at the tip releasing
position.
16. The soldering assembly of claim 14, wherein the movement of the
hook feature includes rotational movement relative to the heater
and axial movement relative to the heater.
17. The soldering assembly of claim 14, further comprising the
soldering iron tip including a rib, wherein the hook feature is
oriented to receive and release the rib when the hook feature is at
the tip releasing position, and the hook feature is oriented to
engage and retain the rib when the hook feature is at the tip
securing position.
18. A soldering assembly comprising: a cover; a tip or a tip
holder; and a lock member movable relative to the cover, the lock
member including a first portion and a second portion, the first
portion retained in the cover, the second portion configured to
mate with the tip or the tip holder.
19. The soldering assembly of claim 18, wherein the cover forms a
part of a soldering iron grip.
20. The soldering assembly of claim 18, further comprising a heater
positioned through the cover.
21. The soldering assembly of claim 20, wherein the heater is at
least partially disposed within the lock member.
22. The soldering assembly of claim 18, further comprising a bias
member located inside the cover, between the cover and the lock
member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/625,500, filed Apr. 17, 2012, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all
purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to a soldering assembly,
and more particularly to a soldering assembly for use with or
including a detachable tip.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Soldering tools are used to manufacture a wide range of
products. The working tip of a soldering tool often becomes
oxidized and requires replacement. Replacement is usually
accomplished by removing the working tip from the soldering tool,
which often requires the use of tools and handling of ancillary
parts such as nuts and screws. The use of tools and handling of
ancillary parts add to manufacturing costs since tools must be
procured and extra pieces of the ancillary parts needed in the
event of inadvertent loss. Removal of the working tip can also
require a person to handle the working tip or parts of the
soldering tool which are normally too hot to handle. The person
must then wait for the soldering tool to cool down to a safe
temperature, which increasing manufacturing down time. Accordingly,
there is a need for a soldering assembly that allows for rapid and
convenient removal of a working tip.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Briefly and in general terms, the present invention is
directed to a soldering assembly.
[0005] In aspects of the present invention, a soldering assembly
comprises a heater, a lock member, and a bias member. The heater
includes a distal segment. The lock member is moveable relative to
the heater, includes a ramp feature, and is configured to receive a
tip or a tip holder. The bias member is configured to urge movement
of the lock member away from the distal segment of the heater.
[0006] In other aspects, the lock member includes a plurality of
ramp features configured to receive the tip or the tip holder.
[0007] In other aspects, the lock member includes a cylindrical
wall, and each of the ramp features includes a ramp surface facing
in a proximal direction away from the distal segment of the
heater.
[0008] In other aspects, the ramp feature is in the form of a slot
or a depression formed into the cylindrical wall of the lock
member, and the ramp surface is on an edge of the slot or the
depression.
[0009] In other aspects, the soldering assembly further comprises a
soldering tip holder including a distal portion and a proximal
portion, the proximal portion configured to engage onto and
disengage from the ramp feature of the lock member.
[0010] In other aspects, when the proximal portion of the soldering
tip holder is engaged onto the ramp feature of the lock member,
twisting of the soldering tip holder causes the lock member to work
against the bias member and to move towards the distal segment of
the heater.
[0011] In other aspects, the proximal portion of the soldering tip
holder includes a pin, and during the twisting of the soldering tip
holder, the pin slides on the ramp feature.
[0012] In other aspects, the soldering tip holder includes a hollow
tube, the heater extends through the lock member and the hollow
tube, and the soldering tip holder is capable of being twisted
around a central axis of the heater when the proximal portion of
the soldering tip holder is engaged onto the ramp feature of the
lock member.
[0013] In other aspects, the soldering assembly further comprises a
soldering tip including a flange retained within the hollow tube of
the soldering tip holder in a manner that causes the soldering tip
to press against the distal segment of the heater when the
soldering tip holder is twisted around the central axis of the
heater.
[0014] In other aspects, the soldering assembly further comprises a
soldering tip including a distal part and a proximal part, the
proximal part configured to engage onto and disengage from the ramp
feature of the lock member.
[0015] In other aspects, when the proximal part of the soldering
tip is engaged onto the ramp feature of the lock member, twisting
of the soldering tip causes a part of the lock member to push
against the bias member and to move towards the distal segment of
the heater.
[0016] In other aspects, wherein the proximal part of the soldering
tip includes a rib, and during the twisting of the soldering tip,
the rib slides on the ramp feature.
[0017] In other aspects, wherein the soldering tip is capable of
being twisted around a central axis of the heater when the proximal
part of the soldering tip is engaged onto the ramp feature of the
lock member.
[0018] In other aspects, the soldering tip is pulled proximally
against the distal segment of the heater when the soldering tip is
twisted around the central axis of the heater.
[0019] In other aspects, the soldering assembly further comprises
an opposing lock member including an opposing ramp feature in
sliding contact with the ramp feature of the lock member, wherein
the sliding contact is maintained by the bias member.
[0020] In other aspects, the lock member includes a distal end
segment configured to engage and disengage a soldering iron
tip.
[0021] In other aspects, the lock member is capable of being
rotated relative to the opposing lock member, the distal end
segment includes a hook feature coupled to the ramp feature of the
lock member, wherein when the lock member is rotated relative to
the opposing lock member, the sliding contact between the ramp
feature and the opposing ramp feature causes movement of the hook
feature relative to the heater from a tip releasing position to a
tip securing position.
[0022] In other aspects, either one or both of the ramp feature and
the opposing ramp feature includes a detent for temporarily holding
the hook feature at the tip releasing position.
[0023] In other aspects, the movement of the hook feature includes
rotational movement relative to the heater and axial movement
relative to the heater.
[0024] In other aspects, the soldering assembly further comprises
the soldering iron tip including a rib, wherein the hook feature is
oriented to receive and release the rib when the hook feature is at
the tip releasing position, and the hook feature is oriented to
engage and retain the rib when the hook feature is at the tip
securing position.
[0025] The features and advantages of the invention will be more
readily understood from the following detailed description which
should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is perspective view of a soldering assembly with a
soldering tip.
[0027] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of parts of a soldering assembly,
showing a soldering tip holder, soldering tip, and heater separated
from each other.
[0028] FIGS. 3A-3C are partial cross-sectional diagrams showing
relative movement between a soldering tip holder and a lock
member.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a soldering tip holder and a
lock member of a soldering assembly.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a soldering assembly with a
soldering tip.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a heater.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a lock member.
[0033] FIG. 8 is an internal plan view showing the heater and the
lock member of FIGS. 6 and 7 partially contained in a cover.
[0034] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a tip.
[0035] FIGS. 10A-10C are partial internal and partial
cross-sectional diagrams showing relative movement between a
soldering tip and a lock member.
[0036] FIGS. 11A-11E are perspective views of a soldering assembly,
showing movements for releasing and securing a soldering tip.
[0037] FIG. 12 is a detailed perspective view of a region in FIG.
11C, showing an interface between the soldering tip and a distal
portion of a lock member.
[0038] FIG. 13 is a partial internal view of the distal portion of
the lock member, showing a hook feature engaging a rib of a
soldering tip.
[0039] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a lock member.
[0040] FIG. 15 is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the
lock member.
[0041] FIG. 16 is a partial internal view of a cover, showing an
opposing lock member attached to the cover.
[0042] FIG. 17 is a detailed perspective view of the opposing lock
member.
[0043] FIG. 18 is a partial internal view, showing an interface (A)
between the soldering tip and the hook feature of the lock member,
and an interface (B) between a ramp feature of the lock member and
an opposing ramp feature of the opposing lock member.
[0044] FIGS. 19A-19E are a diagrammatic sequence of movements at
interface (B) and corresponding movements at interface (A) for
releasing and securing the soldering tip.
[0045] FIG. 20 is a plan view of a soldering tip having a hook
feature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0046] As used herein, the word "soldering" refers to a process,
apparatus, assembly, tool or device involving the application
and/or removal of molten metal to/from a work piece. A non-limiting
example of a molten metal is solder. Non-limiting examples of a
work piece are circuit boards and metal objects.
[0047] As used herein, the term "soldering iron" refers to a tool
used to apply and/or remove molten material to/from a work piece,
and encompasses desoldering tools which remove molten metal from a
work piece.
[0048] The terms "tip", "soldering tip", and "soldering iron tip"
are used interchangeably herein and refer to a working tip of a
tool used to apply and/or remove molten material to/from a work
piece. These terms encompass desoldering tips that remove molten
metal from a work piece by suction or by other methods. It is to be
understood that one tip can have a configuration that is different
than another tip.
[0049] As used herein, any term of approximation such as, without
limitation, "near", "about", "approximately", "substantially",
"essentially" and the like mean that the word or phrase modified by
the term of approximation need not be exactly that which is written
but may vary from that written description to some extent. The
extent to which the description may vary will depend on how great a
change can be instituted and have a person of ordinary skill in the
art recognize the modified version as still having the properties,
characteristics and capabilities of the modified word or phrase.
For example and without limitation, a feature that is described as
"substantially equal" to a second feature encompasses the features
being exactly equal and the features being readily recognized by a
person of ordinary skilled in the art as being equal although the
features are not exactly equal.
[0050] Referring now in more detail to the exemplary drawings for
purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention, wherein like
reference numerals designate corresponding or like elements among
the several views, there is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 soldering
assembly 100 with detachable soldering tip 102. Soldering tip 102
is temporarily retained on heater 104 by soldering tip holder
106.
[0051] No special tools are needed to mount the soldering tip. To
mount soldering tip 102 on heater 104, a user places soldering tip
102 on heater 104 as shown by arrow 108. Next, the user places
soldering tip holder 106 over soldering tip 102 and heater 104, as
shown by arrow 110p. Distal portion 106d of soldering tip holder
106 engages flange 112 on soldering tip 102 to prevent soldering
tip 102 from separating from heater 104. Pins 116 protrude radially
outward from outer surface 106s of soldering tip holder 106. Pins
116 are located at proximal portion 106p of soldering tip holder
106 and engage lock member 120 (FIG. 1). Twisting of soldering tip
holder 106, in the twisting direction of arrow 122, causes pins 116
to become trapped within lock member 120 so that soldering tip
holder 106 and soldering tip 102 are temporarily locked in
place.
[0052] No special tools are needed to remove the soldering tip. To
remove soldering tip 102, soldering tip holder 106 is twisted in
the direction of arrow 124 (opposite that of arrow 122) until pins
116 are aligned with openings in lock member 120. Next, soldering
tip holder 106 is pulled in a distal direction, as shown by arrow
110d (opposite that of arrow 110p) so that distal portion 106d of
soldering tip holder 106 disengages flange 112 on soldering tip
102.
[0053] In FIGS. 1 and 2, soldering tip 102 and heater 104 are
configured for desoldering or for removing solder. Soldering tip
102 and heater 104 include central passageways 130, 132 through
which molten solder can be suctioned away from a work piece.
[0054] In other embodiments, soldering tip 102 and heater 104 are
used to applying solder to a work piece and do not necessarily
include central passageways for vacuuming soldering.
[0055] In some embodiments, soldering tip holder 106 and soldering
tip 102 are temporarily locked as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C. Cover
140 contains bias members 142 and lock member 120. Cover 140 is
fixedly attached to handle or main housing 141 of soldering
assembly 100. Bias members 142 can each be a spring or other
resilient device capable of compression and expansion. Bias members
142 are compressed between cover 140 and arms 144 of lock member
120. Arms 144 protrude through holes 146 in cover 140. Hole 146 is
configured to prevent rotation of lock member 120 relative to cover
140 while allowing lock member 120 to move axially (arrows 151) as
will be described below.
[0056] Lock member 120 includes a plurality of ramp features 148
arranged around the cylindrical wall of lock member 120. Soldering
tip holder 106 can have a plurality of pins 116, there being one
pin 116 for each one of the ramp features 148. Only one pair of
ramp feature 148 and pin 116 is shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C for clarity
of illustration. Only distal segment 104d and proximal segment 104p
of heater 104 are shown (in broken line) for clarity of
illustration. It is to be understood that heater 104 extends
through soldering tip holder 106, cover 140, and lock member 120,
and into handle or main housing 141.
[0057] In the illustrated embodiments, pin 116 is a circular post.
It will be appreciated that pin 116 can have other shapes,
including without limitation a rectangular post or rib.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 3A, soldering tip holder 106 is moved by a
user in a proximal direction according to arrow 110p so that pin
116 enters opening 152 in cylindrical wall 154 of lock member 120.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 3B, rotation of soldering tip holder
106 in the direction of arrow 122 around central axis 104a of
heater 104 causes pin 116 to slide against ramp surface 150, which
pulls lock member 120 in a distal direction and causes lock member
120 to move in the direction of arrows 151. As shown in FIG. 3C,
with continued rotation in the direction of arrow 122, lock member
120 moves further in the direction of arrows 151 and pin 116 moves
into detent 156 of ramp feature 148. The boundary of detent 156 is
formed in part by bump 158. Detent 156 helps to prevent pin 116
from sliding in the reverse direction out of ramp feature 148 after
the user releases soldering tip holder 106. With pin 116 located
within detent 156, soldering tip holder 106 is temporarily held in
a position at which soldering tip holder 106 pulls soldering tip
102 (FIGS. 1 and 2) tightly against distal segment 104d of heater
104 due to expansion forces F exerted by bias members 142 on lock
member 120.
[0059] Release of soldering tip 102 is performed by reversing the
movements of soldering tip holder 106 described above for securing
soldering tip 102.
[0060] Hole 146 of cover 140 has about the same width as arms 144
of lock member 120 partially protruding out. There is an axial gap
between arms 144 and the top edge of holes 146. Therefore, when tip
holder 106 is rotated, arms 144 engage the side edges of holes 146
and lock member 120 is prevented from rotating but is forced to
move in the axial direction as shown by arrow 151 in FIG. 3B.
[0061] In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3C, ramp
feature 148 is in the form of a slot formed through cylindrical
walls 154 of lock member 120. The slot is configured to receive pin
116 on soldering tip holder 106.
[0062] In alternative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, ramp feature
148R, in the form of a slot, is part of soldering tip holder 106R,
and pin 116R is part of lock member 120R. The slot in soldering tip
holder 106R is configured to receive pin 116R of the lock member.
Soldering tip holder 106R and lock member 120R function
substantially the same as soldering tip holder 106 and lock member
120 of FIGS. 3A to 3C. Soldering tip holder 106R and lock member
120R can be arranged--in relation to each other and in relation to
a soldering tip, cover, heater, and bias members--as described
above for soldering tip holder 106 and lock member 120.
[0063] FIGS. 5 to 10C show a soldering assembly 200, and portions
thereof, that do not need a soldering tip holder to couple
soldering tip 202 to a lock member. Soldering tip 202 connects
directly to lock member 220. Movements for mounting and removing
soldering tip 202 to/from lock member 220 are substantially the
same as the above-described movements for mounting and removing
soldering tip holder 106 to/from lock member 120 in FIGS. 1-3.
[0064] An advantage to of having the soldering tip connect directly
to the lock member is that the soldering tip can have virtually any
shape and size. Soldering tips with large curves or large working
ends can be too large to fit through a soldering tip holder, which
can make removal of such soldering tips from the soldering tip
holder difficult if not impossible. Replacement of such soldering
tips may require replacement of the soldering tip and the soldering
tip holder together. This drawback is avoided by having the
soldering tip connect directly to the lock member.
[0065] FIG. 5 shows soldering tip 202 mounted on lock member 220.
Lock member 220 keeps soldering tip 202 in direct thermal contact
with heater 204 (FIG. 6), which is hidden from view in FIG. 5.
[0066] FIG. 6 shows heater 204 without parts that would normally be
surrounding it or attached to it during use of soldering assembly
200. Heater 204 includes distal segment 204d and proximal segment
204p. Proximal segment 204p includes flange 204f to help fixedly
hold heater 204 to cover 240 (FIG. 8). Proximal segment 204p also
includes exposed electrical contacts connected to heating elements
embedded within heater 204. Distal segment 204d includes a conical
outer surface configured to mate with a conical inner surface of
soldering tip 202. In other embodiments, the outer surface at
distal segment 204d can have other configurations, including
without limitation, cylindrical, flat, and spherical.
[0067] FIG. 7 shows lock member 220 without parts that would
normally be surrounding it or attached to it during use of
soldering assembly 200. Lock member 220 includes distal portion
220d and proximal portion 220p. Distal portion 220d is configured
to engage onto and disengage from soldering tip 202. Proximal
portion 220p includes flange 220f that is configured to engage bias
member 242 (FIG. 8).
[0068] FIG. 8 shows an internal view of cover 240. Cover 240
includes an internal cavity that contains bias member 242 and
flange 220f of lock member 220. Bias member 242 is compressed
between a surface of cover 240 and flange 220f. Cover 240 and
flange 220f are configured to prevent rotation of lock member 220
relative to cover 240 while allowing lock member 220 to move
axially (arrows 251) as will be described below.
[0069] FIG. 9 shows soldering tip 202 including outer surface 217
and ribs 218 protruding radially outward from outer surface 217. In
the illustrated embodiments, rib 218 is rectangular. It will be
appreciated that rib 218 can have other shapes, including without
limitation a circular post.
[0070] FIGS. 10A to 10C show relationships between soldering tip
202 and distal portion 220d of lock member 220 and relationships
between cover 240, bias member 242, and proximal portion 220p of
lock member 220.
[0071] Lock member 220 includes a plurality of ramp features 248
arranged around the cylindrical wall of lock member 220. Soldering
tip 202 has a plurality of ribs 218, there being one rib 218 for
each one of the ramp features 248. Only pair of ramp feature 248
and rib 218 is shown in FIGS. 10A-10C for clarity of illustration.
Only distal segment 204d and proximal segment 204p of heater 204
are shown (in broken line) for clarity of illustration. It is to be
understood that heater 204 extends through lock member 220 and
cover 240 and into the base of soldering tip 202.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 10A, soldering tip 202 is moved in a
proximal direction according to arrow 210p so that rib 218 enters
opening 252 in cylindrical wall 254 of lock member 220. Thereafter,
as shown in FIG. 10B, rotation of soldering tip 202 in the
direction of arrow 222 around central axis 204a of heater 204
causes rib 218 to slide against ramp surface 250, which pulls lock
member 220 in a distal direction and causes lock member 220 to move
in the direction of arrows 251. As shown in FIG. 10C, with
continued rotation in the direction of arrow 222, lock member 220
moves further in the direction of arrows 251 and rib 218 moves into
detent 256 of ramp feature 248. The boundary of detent 256 is
formed in part by bump 258. Detent 256 helps to prevent rib 218
from sliding in the reverse direction out of ramp feature 248 after
the user releases soldering tip 202. With rib 218 located within
detent 256, soldering tip 202 is temporarily held in a position at
which it is pulled tightly against distal segment 204d of heater
204 due to expansion forces F exerted by bias members 242 on lock
member 220.
[0073] Flange 220f of lock member 220 is hexagonal, and the part of
the cover 240 where flange 220f is located is a hexagonal cavity.
Bias member 242 is circular shaped which will fit inside the
hexagonal cavity. In this way, when tip 202 is rotated, lock member
202 does not rotate and will move in the axial direction.
[0074] FIGS. 11A to 19E show a soldering assembly 300, and portions
thereof, that allow for mounting and dismounting of soldering tip
302 to/from a lock member without any need for the user to
manipulate, hold, or rotate soldering tip 302. Instead of rotating
the soldering tip as in the soldering assembly of FIGS. 10A to 10C,
soldering tip 302 can be mounted and dismounted with rotation of
only lock member 320.
[0075] FIG. 11A shows lock member 320 oriented in a securing
position at which soldering tip 302 is pulled by lock member 320
onto distal portion 304d (FIG. 12) of the heater. Rotation of knob
321 of lock member 320 in the direction of arrow 324 moves lock
member 320 to a releasing position, as shown in FIG. 11B. In the
releasing position, lock member 320 has rotated and moved axially
in the distal direction of arrow 310d. Soldering tip 302 is free to
be pulled or drop away from heater distal portion 304d.
[0076] FIG. 11C shows soldering tip 302 after it has pulled or
dropped away from heater distal portion 304d. Soldering tip 302 can
be pulled by gravity and drop away by its own weight, without any
need for the user to touch soldering tip 302. Alternatively, FIG.
11C also shows a replacement soldering tip before it is inserted
into lock member 320.
[0077] After inserting soldering tip 320 into lock member 320 while
in the releasing position shown in FIG. 11D, rotation of knob 321
in the direction of arrow 322 moves lock member 320 to a securing
position, as shown in FIG. 11E. In the securing position, lock
member 320 has rotated and moved axially in the proximal direction
of arrow 310p.
[0078] FIG. 12 shows an enlarged view of soldering tip 302 and
distal portion 320d of lock member 320. Soldering tip 302 includes
ribs 318 located at about the distal end of soldering tip 302. Ribs
318 project radially outward from outer surface 317 and are sized
to fit within openings 352 in cylindrical wall 354 of lock member
320.
[0079] FIG. 13 shows a portion of cylindrical wall 354 removed to
show internal features of distal portion 320d of lock member 320.
Opening 352 is adjacent to hook feature 360. Lock member 320 is
oriented in the securing position. In the securing position,
opening 352 has rotated away from rib 318 of soldering tip 302,
which traps rib 318 and thereby keeps soldering tip 302 in contact
with heater distal portion 304d.
[0080] FIG. 14 shows lock member 320, which includes distal portion
320d and proximal portion 320p. Post 349 connects distal portion
320d to proximal portion 320p. Distal portion 320d is configured to
engage onto and disengage from soldering tip 302. Proximal portion
320p includes flange 320f configured to engage bias member 342
(FIG. 18). Knob 321 and a plurality of ramp features 348 are
located between proximal portion 320p and distal portion 320d. Ramp
features 348 are in the form of a depression, as they are a
radially inward step to post 349. Three ramp features 348 are
arranged circumferentially around post 349, although only two of
the ramp features are clearly visible in FIG. 14.
[0081] FIG. 15 shows a detailed view of a portion of lock member
320 with post 349 removed in order to show all ramp features 348.
Each of the ramp features includes ramp surface 350 that faces in a
proximal direction toward flange 320f.
[0082] In other embodiments, lock member 320 includes one, two, or
more than three ramp features.
[0083] FIG. 16 shows cover 340 that contains opposing lock member
370. Opposing lock member 370 includes a plurality of opposing ramp
features 372 which is normally located in contact with and
opposition to ramp features 348 of lock member 320.
[0084] FIG. 17 shows a detailed view of opposing lock member 370
with a portion of cover 340 removed. Each opposing ramp feature 372
includes opposing ramp surface 374 that faces in a distal
direction. When a user rotates lock member 320, ramp surfaces 350
of lock member 320 slide against opposing ramp surfaces 374.
[0085] FIG. 18 shows lock member 320, cover 340, opposing lock
member 370, and bias member 342 assembled together. Only distal
segment 204d of heater 204 is shown (in broken line) for clarity of
illustration. It should be understood that the heater extends
through lock member 320, cover 340, opposing lock member 370, and
bias member 342.
[0086] Bias member 342 is compressed between lock member flange
320f and opposing lock member 370. Post 349 extends through bias
member 342 and connects flange 320f to ramp features 348 and hook
feature 360 at distal portion 320d of lock member 320. Bias member
342 exerts an expansion force F on flange 320f. Expansion force F
is in a proximal direction and is transmitted by post 349 to ramp
features 348 and hook feature 360.
[0087] Letter (A) designates the interface between soldering tip
302 and hook feature 360 of lock member 320. Letter (B) designates
the interface between ramp features 348 of lock member 320 and
opposing ramp features 372 of opposing lock member 370.
[0088] FIGS. 19A to 19E are a diagrammatic sequence of movements at
interface (B) and corresponding movements at interface (A) for
releasing soldering tip 302. In the reverse direction, FIGS. 19E to
19A are a diagrammatic sequence of movements for securing soldering
tip 302. The movements are caused by user rotation of lock member
320, by manipulation of knob 321, relative to cover 340 and
opposing lock member 370.
[0089] As discussed above, ribs 318 of soldering tip 302 are
configured to pass through openings 352 in cylindrical wall 354 of
lock member 320. The ability to pass through depends on whether
openings 352 and ribs 318 are aligned with each other.
[0090] In FIG. 19A, hook features 360 are in a tip securing
position. Openings 352 are not aligned with ribs 318, which
prevents soldering tip 302 from being released. Due to expansion
force F of bias member 342, hook features 360 pull ribs 318 of
soldering tip 302 in a distal direction onto distal portion 304d
(FIG. 12) of the heater. Expansion force F is transmitted to ribs
318 due to an axial gap 362 between ramp features 348 and opposing
ramp features 372.
[0091] In FIG. 19E, hook features 360 are in a tip releasing
position. Openings 352 are aligned with ribs 318. Hook features 360
are raised in a distal direction so that hook features 360 do not
pull ribs 318 proximally. Hook features 360 are kept raised since
ramp features 348 have slid up opposing ramp feature 372 to detent
364 on ramp feature 372.
[0092] FIGS. 19B, 19C, and 19D show a progression between FIGS. 19A
and 19E. Starting from 19A, rotation of knob 321 in order to move
hook features 360 to the releasing position is met with resistance
due to contact between ramp features 348 and opposing ramp feature
372. Due to the edge profiles of ramp features 348 and opposing
ramp feature 372, continued rotation of knob 321 requires ramp
features 348 to slide up in a distal direction (see FIGS. 19B to
19D), which is opposed by expansion force F of bias member 342. The
edge profile of each opposing ramp feature 372 includes an upward
slope having a peak, followed by a downward slope to a
substantially flat region. The flat region forms detent 364. Thus
when ramp feature 348 slides up opposing ramp feature 372, the
whole lock member 320 moves in the distal direction relative to
heater 304, cover 340, and opposing ramp feature 372. With
expansion force F working in the proximal direction, when ramp
feature 348 reaches the detent as in FIG. 19E, hook features 360 of
lock member 320 are kept at the tip releasing position.
[0093] In a reverse embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, hook feature
360R, in the form of a slot, is part of soldering tip 302R. A
radially protruding rib is part of a lock member. The slot in
soldering tip 302R is configured to receive the radially protruding
rib. Soldering tip 302R and its corresponding ribbed lock member
function substantially the same as soldering tip 302 and lock
member 320 of FIGS. 11A to 19E. Soldering tip 302R and ribbed lock
member can be arranged--in relation to each other and in relation
to a cover, ramp features, opposing ramp features, heater, and bias
members--as described above for soldering tip 302 and lock member
320.
[0094] As shown for example without limitation in FIGS. 3A-3C,
10A-10C, and 18, in some embodiments a soldering assembly comprises
heater 104, 204, 304, lock member 120, 220, 320, and bias member
142, 242, 342. Heater 104, 204, 304 includes distal segment 104d,
204d, 304d. Lock member 120, 220, 320 is moveable relative to
heater 104, 204, 304 and includes ramp feature 148, 248, 348. The
lock member is configured to receive a tip or tip holder. Bias
member 142, 242, 342 is configured to urge movement of lock member
120, 220, 320 away from distal segment 104d, 204d, 304d of heater
104, 204, 304.
[0095] In some embodiments, lock member 120, 220, 320 includes a
plurality of ramp features 148, 248, 348. In some embodiments, the
ramp features are configured to receive or engage the tip and or
the tip holder.
[0096] In some embodiments, lock member 120, 220, 320 includes
cylindrical wall 154, 254, 354. Each of the ramp features 148, 248,
348 includes ramp surface 150, 250, 350 facing in a proximal
direction away from distal segment 104d, 204d, 304d of heater 104,
204, 304.
[0097] In some embodiments, ramp feature 148, 248, 348 is in the
form of a slot or a depression formed into cylindrical wall 154,
254, 354 of lock member 120, 220, 320. Ramp surface 150, 250, 350
is on an edge of the slot or the depression.
[0098] As shown for example without limitation in FIGS. 2 and
3A-3C, in some embodiments a soldering assembly optionally
comprises soldering tip holder 106 including distal portion 106d
and proximal portion 106p. Proximal portion 106p is configured to
engage onto and disengage from ramp feature 148 of lock member
120.
[0099] In some embodiments, when proximal portion 106p of the
soldering tip holder is engaged onto ramp feature 148, twisting of
soldering tip holder 106 causes lock member 120 to work against
bias member 142 and to move towards distal segment 104d of the
heater.
[0100] In some embodiments, proximal portion 106p of soldering tip
holder 106 includes pin 116. During twisting of soldering tip
holder 106, pin 116 slides on ramp feature 148.
[0101] In some embodiments, soldering tip holder 106 includes
hollow tube 114. Heater 104 extends through lock member 120 and
hollow tube 114. Soldering tip holder 106 is capable of being
twisted around central axis 104a of heater 104 when proximal
portion 106p of soldering tip holder 106 is engaged onto ramp
feature 148 of lock member 120.
[0102] In some embodiments, a soldering assembly optionally
comprises soldering tip 102 including flange 112. Flange 112 is
retained within hollow tube 114 of soldering tip holder 106 in a
manner that causes soldering tip 102 to press against distal
segment 104d of heater 104 when soldering tip holder 106 is twisted
around central axis 104a of heater 104.
[0103] As shown for example without limitation in FIGS. 9 and
10A-10C, in some embodiments a soldering assembly optionally
comprises soldering tip 202 including distal part 202d and proximal
part 202p. Proximal part 202p is configured to engage onto and
disengage from ramp feature 248 of lock member 220.
[0104] In some embodiments, when proximal part 202p of soldering
tip 202 is engaged onto ramp feature 248, twisting of soldering tip
202 causes arm part 244 of lock member 220 to push against bias
member 242 and to move towards distal segment 204d of the
heater.
[0105] In some embodiments, proximal part 202p of soldering tip 202
includes rib 218. During the twisting of soldering tip 202, rib 218
slides on ramp feature 248.
[0106] In some embodiments, soldering tip 202 is capable of being
twisted around central axis 204a of the heater when proximal part
202p of soldering tip 202 is engaged onto ramp feature 248.
[0107] In some embodiments, soldering tip 202 is pulled proximally
against distal segment 204d of the heater when soldering tip 202 is
twisted around central axis 204a of the heater.
[0108] As shown for example without limitation in FIGS. 18 and
19A-19E, a soldering assembly optionally comprises opposing lock
member 370. Opposing lock member 370 includes opposing ramp feature
372 in sliding contact with ramp feature 348 of lock member 320.
The sliding contact is maintained by bias member 342.
[0109] In some embodiments, lock member 320 includes distal end
segment 320d configured to engage and disengage soldering iron tip
302.
[0110] In some embodiments, lock member 320 is capable of being
rotated relative to opposing lock member 370. Distal end segment
320d includes hook feature 360 coupled to ramp feature 348 of lock
member 320. When lock member 320 is rotated relative to opposing
lock member 370, the sliding contact between ramp feature 348 and
opposing ramp feature 372 causes movement of hook feature 360
relative to heater 304d from a tip releasing position (FIG. 19E) to
a tip securing position (FIG. 19A).
[0111] In some embodiments, either one or both of ramp feature 348
and opposing ramp 372 feature includes detent 364 for temporarily
holding hook feature 360 at the tip releasing position.
[0112] In some embodiments, the movement of hook feature 360
includes rotational movement relative to heater 304d and axial
movement relative to heater 304d.
[0113] In some embodiments, a soldering assembly comprises
soldering iron tip 302 including rib 318. Hook feature 360 is
oriented to receive and release rib 318 when hook feature 360 is at
the tip releasing position. Hook feature 360 is oriented to engage
and retain rib 318 when hook feature 360 is at the tip securing
position.
[0114] In any one or all of the embodiments described above, the
heater can include one or more electrical heating coils or
electrical heating elements connected to a power source.
[0115] In any one or all of the embodiments described above, the
bias member can be a leaf spring, helical spring, torsion spring,
or other device configured to self-expand after it is
compressed.
[0116] While several particular forms of the invention have been
illustrated and described, it will also be apparent that various
modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the
invention. It is also contemplated that various combinations or
subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the
disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one
another in order to form varying modes of the invention.
Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited,
except as by the appended claims.
* * * * *